Phil Sumbler
Today is the day that most Wales fans have waited in great anticipation for most of their lives.ย ย After a wait that has lasted 64 years it is finally the day that Cymru will play again at a World Cup finals.ย ย A wait that has included more than our fair share of late heartbreaks along the way was ended by a Gareth Bale deflected free kick on a magical afternoon in Cardiff back in June.
Ever since the final whistle blew that afternoon focus turned to this day and at 7pm this evening Bale will lead out his country to take on the USA in the first of their three group games.
And when that moment happens it will be with a massive Swansea City presence behind him as the legacy of our ability to develop and nurture talent is laid bare for the world to see.
Ben Davies, Ben Cabango, Joe Rodon, Connor Roberts, Joe Allen and Daniel James are all stars that started their careers to this moment in SA1.ย ย You can also add Ollie Cooper to that list with the player with the squad in Qatar with the Swans youngster completing the incredible statistic that everyone involved should be proud of.
There are very few sides across the world who can claim ownership of such a conveyor belt of talent that has contributed so much to just one World Cup squad.
At least four of the fire named six are expected to play a part tonight in Wales’ tournament opener and will provide a strong presence as Robert Page looks to bring to an end that 64 year wait with a three point haul for his side on their return to the biggest footballing stage.
That wait is the longest wait ever between a first and second World Cup appearance and for most Wales fans who will watch tomorrow it will be the culmination of a lifelong ambition that so many may have believed would never have happened.
“We know on our day, and we’ve proven in the Nations League against Belgium and against a very good Dutch team, that we can more than compete,” Page told the press yesterday as his side put the final touches to their tournament preparation.
“We’re new to the tournament and there might be a few surprises along the way.
“There’s no pressure on us, we’re going to enjoy it, we’re going to compete and I’ve said to the group: ‘We’re not here to make the numbers up, we’re here because we’ve earned the right to be here, because we’re a good team, and I want to go and show the world how good we are”.
Captain Gareth Bale has played in some of the biggest stages in a glittering career which has included a semi final of the European Championships as well as five Champions League titles with Real Madrid.ย ย He is though ready for the very biggest stage and knows that the Red Wall will be firmly behind them wherever they may be for the big game.
“It’s a massive piece of history in our country and something we have all wanted for a long time”, Bale told the BBC.
“We have the support of the nation back home, no matter what happens, as long as we give 100% our country will love us for that.
“For us to be the team that got over the line was incredible for us but, most importantly, the best thing was to do it for our country, to grow football and inspire another generation, and to get more kids playing football.
“By doing that we’ll hopefully have a stronger national team in the future. In 20 years’ time if someone is sat here and says we have inspired them then that’s incredible.”
Wales v USA kicks off at 7pm UK time this evening.ย You can this game and all the action from Qatar in our World Cup thread which can be found here.
